March 6 - First Sunday in Lent

(Dt 26:4-10; Rom 10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13)

This Lenten season begins with the recounting of first fruits offering that was commanded of Israel before entry into the Promised Land. We’re reminded that to enter into the promises of Easter, we must offer the best of ourselves in the coming of Lent. The offering was divided among the priests, the poor, and aliens; it was an act of almsgiving. For Israel, the first fruits offering was a collective act of humility and charity. Our Psalm prays for God to be with us especially when we are troubled. In Romans we learn in ancient times to be “righteous” meant that you had a right to inherit the throne. But “righteousness” can also mean acting justly or doing the right thing. One would be said to be just or righteous if they obeyed the Law of God and lived in accord with the Covenant. We receive the gift of being righteous (or rightful) heirs by faith in Christ, and we keep our place in the inheritance by righteous acts of faith, working in love under the influence of God’s grace. In Luke we learn the three ways Satan tempted Jesus and tempts us today: (1) Satan tries to undermine Jesus’ identity as the Son of God – he tries to undermine our dignity and identity as sons and daughters of God (2) Satan offers Jesus the kingdom of the world – he tempts us to seek power and influence in this world for the endless quest for control which enslaves us (3) Satan tempts Jesus to fulfill his mission in a way other than the one ordained by the Father – same ways we are often tempted to find an easier or more successful way to live our lives, instead of trusting the Father’s plan.

• What are some of the ways we are all tempted today to follow the ways of this world more than the ways of Christ. Would you like to share one in particular you are challenged with?
• How are the Scriptures an important weapon and defense in our battle against temptation? Would you like to share a scripture that helps you when tempted?
• Have you experienced a particular way God has called you to imitate Christ and resist and overcome temptations?
• In this Lenten season one of the ways that we express our gratitude to God for his gifts to us is by being generous to the poor and the alien. Do you have special gifts you share as part of your Lenten practice?